(Ottawa, ON) – National Chief Perry Bellegarde commented today on the apology made Thursday by Pope Francis to the Indigenous peoples of the Americas, seeking forgiveness for the role of the Catholic Church in colonialism and the resulting human rights abuses and impoverishment of Indigenous peoples in the western hemisphere.

National Chief Bellegarde said, "Pope Francis has shown real moral leadership with his apology and plea for forgiveness. It's clear that the collective global movement of Indigenous peoples is making change happen; and can impact even the most powerful institutions. I am seeking to meet with Pope Francis to personally urge him to make an apology here in Canada for the role of the Catholic Church in the suffering of Indian residential school survivors, consistent with the recommendation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. I will also seek a statement from the Pope renouncing the Papal Bulls that led to the racist Doctrine of Discovery used as a rationale to deprive Indigenous peoples of the wealth of their lands and resources."

In his statement, the Pope said: “Some may rightly say, ‘When the pope speaks of colonialism, he overlooks certain actions of the church. I say this to you with regret: many grave sins were committed against the native people of America in the name of God.” He added: “I humbly ask forgiveness, not only for the offense of the church herself, but also for crimes committed against the native peoples during the so-called conquest of America.”

National Chief Bellegarde stated: "We fully agree with Pope Francis' comment that colonialism is still with us today and continues to foster inequality, poverty and an unhealthy relationship with Mother Earth. First Nations in Canada are very much a part of the global social movement that aims to dismantle the inequalities and environmental abuses that make up the new colonialism."

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada. Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Comms, @AFN_Updates